PREP VOLLEYBALL: Holt leads Athens Bible into North Super Regional; Local teams set to compete this week

Published 8:53 pm Tuesday, October 24, 2023

: Claire Holt

Fresh off a Class 1A, Area 15 title, Claire Holt and the rest of Athens Bible’s volleyball team are ready for more.

The Trojans dominated Valley Head (25-5, 25-1, 25-10) and Woodville (25-8, 25-10, 25-7) last week to punch their ticket to this week’s North Super Regional Tournament in Huntsville.

Athens Bible will play No. 3 Meek on Thursday at 11:30 a.m. The Trojans need two wins to advance to state.

Holt, a senior, racked up 18 kills and five blocks during the area tournament. Teammates Brooke Blakely (13 kills and five aces), Bailey Griffin (10 kills) and Anna Beth Burn (40 set assists) were also key contributors for coach EA Winland, who said this was “the most complete performance this team has played all season (and) I am very proud of how our team is competing.”

Holt, meanwhile, has put together a strong four-year career with Athens Bible, totaling 747 kills at her middle hitter position.

Winland lauded Holt’s intangibles and skill, calling her “one of the best hitters I have had the privilege to coach.”

“Claire has been a great leader for this team,” she said. “Her competitive spirit and drive to win is something that I appreciate as a former player. I know she will go on to do great things in life.”

Here’s what awaits other local volleyball teams at the Von Braun Center this week.

Class 2A

Team: No. 9 Lindsay Lane

Opponent: Ider

When: Wednesday, 12:45 p.m.

Class 3A

Team: Clements

Opponent: No. 1 Plainview

When: Wednesday at 9 a.m.

Class 5A

Team: East Limestone

Opponent: No. 2 Arab